McDowell bemoans bad attitude

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July 15, 2011

Graeme McDowell described himself as “a mental case” on the course at the Open this week, and looks set to miss the cut.

Graeme McDowell described himself as “a mental case” on the course at the Open this week, as he looks set to miss the cut.

McDowell was critical of his own attitude on Friday, as he failed to build on his opening-round 68, crashing to a seven-over 77 that left him five over for the tournament.

The former US Open champ from Northern Ireland three-putted three greens on the day, and admitted that his mental state was not right, and would need to be addressed.

“I was ready for this tournament but by the time I walked off the first green yesterday I wasn’t ready any more, it’s very frustrating,” he said.

“I’ve always enjoyed the mental side of the game but I wouldn’t say I’m enjoying it so much right now because I’m a bit of a mental case out there.

“I need an attitude readjustment. I need to care a bit less about the game.

“My attitude has been pretty average the last two days, just not having a lot of belief or confidence in myself.

“I’ve been doing a little work with Bob Rotella (the leading golf sports psychologist) so maybe I need to do a little more, get on the couch and tell him all my problems.

“You can’t wait for the golf ball to make you feel happy because it ain’t going to make you feel happy every day.”

Mcdowell added that perhaps he was trying too hard to replicate his awesome performance at the US Open last year.

“It’s hard not to compare to last year. I didn’t set out in 2011 trying to eclipse 2010 but deep inside I know I can do it, so maybe I want it too badly,” he said.

“This is the Open. We are under pressure. We want to do well – maybe I’ve been trying a little too hard the last couple days.”

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